Successfully rearing and training pet lambs is not always straightforward and definitely requires commitment – as Marcus Bennett of Ngatea knows only too well.

The eight-year-old Ngatea Primary School pupil had an anxious time with this year's lamb.

Ella Pirie is a regular competitor in the Hauraki Plains Rural Show.

'Willy was unwell at first; and Mum and I had to look after him really well,” says Marcus, who is delighted when Willy recovered and began acting like a typical lamb.
'Now he comes running up to me when it's time for a feed.”
With Willy's health improved, Marcus can concentrate on training the lamb to lead and come when called, in preparation for the agricultural day at school on October 23.
He also hopes to enter a Group Day later in the month, attended by pupils from six local schools; and then the Hauraki Plains Rural Show on November 9.
This is the fourth year Marcus has reared a lamb and his mother Sonia Paton says he has to take full responsibly for feeding, training and caring for the lambs.
'Rearing calves, lambs or goats is all about helping children to bond with and learn to take responsibility for animals; and to understand that it can be quite time consuming and hard work, as well as fun.
'We are lucky in Ngatea that some local farmers are prepared to make calves available for children who don't live on farms. Instead they go to the farms to look after their calves.”
Throughout the country children like Marcus are working with their pet lambs, calves or goats, getting them ready for agricultural or calf club days at their schools. Many will go on to compete in A&P Shows.
At Ngatea, show time is at the Hauraki Plains Rural Show, which began in 2008 when a group of parents and interested parties got together to restart the calf club section of the old Hauraki Plains A & P Show.
Sonia, who is on the show's organising committee, says what began as a show day for children, with a few food stalls, has grown into a much larger event.
This year the show has added a Young Handler dairy breed calves competition for college students, Years 9- 13, and for those up to 20 years of age (as of November 1, 2013).
There is also a beef section, judged separately, with entrants competing in championship events for rearing and type, but against other calves for leading.
The show's children's calf club begins 10am but competitors need to be at the domain by 9.30am to confirm registration and collect their competitor numbers. There will be ribbons, cash prizes and trophies and also spot prizes to be won; and part of the entry fee is donated to the Ngatea St John's and Ngatea Volunteer Fire Brigade.
'The event is also open to children who are home schooled, and to those who attend schools that don't have calf club – we want everyone to show off all their hard work,” says Sonia.
The gates will open 9am for the general public, with free entry. There will be a variety of exhibits from local businesses, produce and goods from local schools and businesses, demonstrations, and plenty of fun for the children, with bouncy castles and pony rides.
'It is a day for friends and families to get together and enjoy what local and out-of-town stall holders have to offer you. It is also a great chance for children to interact with animals, and see some rural activities,” says Sonia.
Local businesses are joining in the spirit of the day by decorating their shop windows; and the prize and trophy for the best dressed window will be announced on show day. The Hauraki Plains Rural Show is on November 9 at the Hugh Hayward Domain, Ngatea.
Admission is free but no dogs are permitted on the grounds. For more information, and entry details for the calf club, go to: www.haurakiplainsruralshow.co.nz